Greetings everyone! I'd like to share my story

[cally]

Hey everyone!

I'm a 22 year old student starting my first year of medical school this fall. I've had Crohn's for 7 years and, needless to say, it's played a big part in my decision to pursue medicine. I've had one surgery and several hospitalizations, but overall I feel pretty lucky to be me.

As a teenager with Crohn's, I never really felt set apart by my illness. I've had incredibly supportive friends along the way and my family has always been there for me. I was lucky that my illness was relatively mild in high school; I had some bleeding and discomfort, but nothing that took me out of school too much or prevented me from living almost like a regular teenager (I just happened to need a few more doctors' visits and tests than the next kid, some daily pills, and a weird diet).

Recently, though, my CD has not been so cooperative. Last year, I had my first surgery, in which my terminal ileum and the first few feet of my colon were removed. I spent Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and my twenty-first birthday in the hospital.

In addition to facing new challenges with CD, I've been trying so hard to adjust to the social changes that come along with being a young twenty-something. I've found that as my friends and I have grown older, our social scene has matured a bit too. Nearly every party involves drinking, and alcohol is often used to break the ice (small gatherings with new friends, mustering the courage to sing at a karaoke bar, bar crawling, etc.).

I cannot drink alcohol, so all of these typical college/grad school social situations forcefully remind me that I'm different. I feel isolated and I absolutely hate being around alcohol. I'm stressing out a bit about starting out at a new school where I don't know anybody because of this inability to interact with my peers in a way that seems socially appropriate to them. I've always been on the shy side, and I don't want to be the awkward kid who can't have fun...

Thanks for listening to my story, everyone. I could really use some support as I prepare to head off to school soon.

-Cally

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi cally :bigwave: Welcome!!! So sorry you are struggling and your right about the peer group. Seems like everyone young drinks but you can still look like you are having a drink and no one has to know. Very taboo for someone to take your coke and see if there is booze in it so I wouldnt worry. None of their business. I have a motto "Nothing good ever comes out of drinking". I know you want to fit in, but you can just be yourself, and go out when you can. Your body is counting on you to behave as well because you are a Crohnie.

My daughter is heading to the medical field and it is hard so always look after you. My daughter is healthy so you need extra care.

I hope you enjoy your year coming. Lots of young people here to cheer you on and help you and give you advice! Kudo's for you on your decision of your future!!

 

[Dexky]

Hi Cally welcome!! You know I don't know what to say 'cause I was the same as you, a shy kid w/o the alcohol but the life of the party with it. However, now I drive a truck for a living so when (not if) you overcome this obstacle, you'll be miles ahead of your peers. Alcohol is a crutch!! It happens to be one you can't use. Practice overcoming your shyness. In later years, I was always glad to volunteer to dd. It gave me an excuse not to have a headache the next day. Everybody loves the dd anyway. Good luck!!

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Cally and :welcome:

It's good to see you found your way here. My daughter is 18 and moved away to university at the beginning of the year, she has been in remission since her resection 4 years ago and I know she is not compliant with the whole alcohol thing but I do know she does try to limit it and one way she gets around this is, if they are going somewhere they can drive to she will offer to be the designated driver. I guess I should add here that it is legal to drink alcohol at 18 here.

Congratulations on your achievements and no doubt your family is very proud of you! As Jett has said, there are many young adults on here and this is a safe and friendly place to hang out and find info and support.

Welcome aboard!

All the best,
Dusty

 

[EthanPSU]

Hey cally...

Im right there with you on the whole social aspect of crohns. I am attending college right now and the pressure to drink and do other things is very high. Although I give into drinking it does hurt me in the future.

And about spending your 21st in the hospital....ouch, that has to suck. I have 9 weeks till my 21st and I hope I am fine when it comes around.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the forums!

-Ethan

 

[Astra]

Hi Cally
and welcome

Congratulations! look how far you've come! huge acheivement!
Alcohol does lower your inhibitions that's true, but you'll be the one without the hangover the next morning! And you'll be the one who can study and revise without the pounding head! Be proud to be the tee-totaller! It'll be worth it in the long run for your health. And your health comes first!
This is not something you have to declare, it's got nothing to do with anyone else, and if they say anything, then they're shallow!
glad you found us, loads of young uns on here for you
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[Jennjenn]

Welcome

 

[Chris1984]

welcome. sorry to hear about your situation. i know how it is, i used to party and drink a lot and then when i quit drinking, it was very hard for me to go out with friends. it got easier as time went on though, they would try to get me to drink and i'd always say, "cant, health problems" and that would usually get them off my back but it still made me feel awkward. you just need to find the right group of people, friends who dont understand arent worth having. good luck with everything!

 

[cally]

Thanks, everyone Your kind words and encouragement have really helped me psych myself up to make the big move tomorrow to med school. And you guys are right - I should be more focused on the bigger things. I am so lucky to be starting on this journey to become a physician!

 

[Entchen]

Tomorrow! How exciting! Enjoy this new "bend in the road," and make the most of your time in school. Am sure you'll find a great balance between Crohn's-friendly fun and getting your homework done.

ps: I think I forgot to welcome you to the forum when you signed on -- we're glad to have you here!

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Cally and welcome!

I'm sure you'll find your way around the alcohol issue once at school. My guess is that med school is different from undergrad in that it is much more competitive and serious and there might be a lot less partying going on. You will probably have an easier time finding a group of students whose socializing, when they have time, does not revolve around drinking.

Have you ever heard of Rachel Naomi Remen? She is an author, and also a physician who has Crohn's disease. She wrote a book called Kitchen Table Wisdom, a collection of short stories, kind of like Chicken Soup for the soul. As a Crohnie studying medicine, you might find it a worthwile read.

Good luck in school! - Amy

 

[MisB]

Hi Cally and :welcome:. I have Crohn's and I am a recovering alcoholic. I never attended college so it would sound like no help here. However, I do have a very social 19 year old daughter taking classes at the local college who chooses not to drink, yet goes with her friends to clubs for line dancing and having fun. She is actually one of the most popular guests as her friends give her gas money so she'll drive her car and be designated driver. Her closes friends have even gotten so protective of her choice not to drink that if anyone at a club gives her a hard time about not drinking, they step in for her. She has come home telling the craziest stories of her friends, they all have a good time, and they all get home safe. So, instead of being ashamed or feeling different, offer to be the designated driver. Every good drunk needs one. :lol:

And, you are going to med school. Wouldn't that be to your advantage that you are to save people's lives, not kill them driving home from the club? I hope I'm not offending you coming on too strong, but watching my daughter, her friends, and seeing what happens when people drink and drive everyday, I just think it is very admirable of you to be choosing the path you are taking and would like to see you succeed with your head held high without the negative peer pressure. Any negative pressure you can turn to positive will just make it easier. Like being designated driver. Yes, you'll probably get taken advantage of a time or two, but it could be a place to start.

I wish you the very, very best and look forward to seeing you around on the forum. :goodluck:

 

[silverlining]

Hi Cally,

I'm actually going to be a first year med student too and I was wondering if there were others with Crohn's who are studying or studied medicine.

I guess we'll just have to make a decision about alcohol and stick to it, even if it might be hard, but not all students decide to participate in drinking so I think it should be ok.

 

[gypsigirl28]

hi cally, Welcome to the forum. I really cant add any advice that hasnt already been given to you here. Everyone gave you good advice.

Good luck

 

[DustyKat]

Hi silverlining and :welcome:

Good to see you here. This is a great place with heaps friendly and knowledgeable people, there are also stacks of young adults so you will fit right in. Perhaps you would like to start your own thread so you can be welcomed. I hope you stick around and welcome aboard!

Take care,
Dusty

 

[Entchen]

Welcome silverlining, too! Have lots of fun in med school (but not too much!).

 

[cally]

Thanks everyone I'm still in the process of adjusting but I'm feeling a little better.

Silverlining - my own gastroenterologist has Crohn's, so I knew it could be done! I am still a little worried that the lack of sleep and the high amount of stress might wreak havoc on me, but I know I'll make it through (even if it means taking a slightly different path than someone healthy if I need to take time off, etc.).

 

[Pirate]

Cally as far as the drinking goes, I also cannot drink. I'm a lot older than you but people still always ask if I want a drink and I am so use to declining that it isn't a problem anymore. I can still be the life of the party when I want to be. Of course, I've never been shy. lol

Good luck with school. We're here for your support there to.

 

[Brindle]

Hi Cally,

Welcome to the forum. If there is anything that is good to say about Crohn's (IBD) it is the determination that it bring out in all of us!! Once we know what we have for a hand, the only thing that we can do is play it the best of our ability. Best of luck in all that life offers.

 

[Bayoucrohn's]

Welcome Cally,

All I can add is to make sure you do not let stress get to you. I definitely believe that stress factors are a trigger to crohn's. Two Years ago I started a small business while in my second year of college. I also live in south of New Orleans and have been dealing with hurricane related issues for the past few years. Prior to these events I had minimal problems for years, but since I have added these stress factors I have had a resection at the end of 2008 and are knocking on the door of one in the near future. Im not quite sure how to not stress but good luck..lol

 

[cally]

Hey everyone,

I totally agree about stress and Crohn's...

I've been incredibly busy this past week or so, but I wanted to drop by and update my support group here

I've been meeting tons of great people during our orientation class time that we have scheduled during the day, but I haven't really mustered up the courage to go to many of the night-out social events. I'm surprised (or maybe not so surprised) that drinking is as much a part of being a medical student as it was for college students (at least during orientation, when our outside of class responsibilities are pretty minimal). The second year students have organized bar crawls and the like for us first years, but I don't much see the point in going since I won't join in haha. But I guess since I'm not going out, I feel a little isolated too. I haven't quite found my niche yet but I'm optimistic that I will, in time.

My CD has been grumbly (I think because of the stress of adjusting to a new environment), and I have an appointment to see my GI in about a week. I definitely plan on talking to him about managing my anxiety to keep my Crohn's in check.

I'm very grateful for you guys! Thanks for reading
-Cally

 

[Dexky]

Hey Cally, where are you going to med school?

 

[cally]

Hmm I'm trying to stay at least somewhat anonymous on a public forum, but PM me if you are dying to know and promise not to share

 

[Dexky]

Well, I'm no good at keeping secrets and then I get yelled at so I'll let you reveal only what you wish.

Cally-fornia?? Maybe??

 

[silverlining]

Thanks everyone I'm still in the process of adjusting but I'm feeling a little better.

Silverlining - my own gastroenterologist has Crohn's, so I knew it could be done! I am still a little worried that the lack of sleep and the high amount of stress might wreak havoc on me, but I know I'll make it through (even if it means taking a slightly different path than someone healthy if I need to take time off, etc.).

Hey Cally,

Did your GI have Crohn's while going thru medical school too???

I experienced the same thing about the orientation social activities here too. They are a bit crazy, but I kind of knew that drinking would be a big thing for some people since I heard about it from some of my friends who started med school before me. But I have found that there are definitely med students in my class who aren't big partiers either, so I think that will help a lot!

Are you in a completely new environment? I had to move for school, but it's actually where I grew up and I actually kept in touch with a few of my friends over the year, so this has helped a lot in terms of me knowing that I have support in the city. On the other hand, I don't really know anybody in my class, so that's all new grounds.

I hope your CD doesn't act up too much! We'll get through this somehow!

 

[cally]

I think my GI said he had had CD since he was a teenager, so he had it during medical school too. I'm no longer a patient of his since I moved out of state for school, though.

I'm actually at the medical school affiliated with my undergrad institution, and I know a few people here in my first year class from undergrad. Unfortunately the people I already know are the partiers lol. But it's alright :ybiggrin:

I've actually found one of the hardest things so far is my need for more sleep than other people!